Question

Which of the following tests is used for monitoring long term diabetes therapy?

1) A1C test
2) Fasting plasma glucose test
3) Oral glucose tolerance test
4) Random plasma glucose test

Answer 1

The test used for long-term monitoring of diabetes therapy is the A1C test, which measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months and indicates how well the blood glucose is managed over this extended period.

Step-by-step explanation:

The test used for monitoring long-term diabetes therapy is the A1C test.

The A1C test is crucial for endocrinologists to assess and manage diabetes mellitus over an extended period. It measures the average blood-glucose levels over the past two to three months, which gives a picture of how well blood glucose is managed. In contrast, other tests like the fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, and random plasma glucose test are typically used for the initial diagnosis or to monitor diabetes on a short-term basis. The fasting plasma glucose test requires 12 to 24 hours of fasting, the oral glucose tolerance test involves consuming a sugary drink and then measuring blood glucose levels at various intervals, and the random plasma glucose test measures glucose at any time, disregarding meal times. Nevertheless, it is the A1C test that provides insight into the long-term efficacy of diabetes treatment, reflecting average glucose levels and offering a more comprehensive view of a patient's overall glycemic control.